Figure 1.--This portrait is undated, but we believe that it was taken during the 1860s. The boys wear a kneepants suit that has been heavily decorated with a military look. Notice the plumed cap in tartan.

Boys suits styled as uniforms or with clear military styling were very popular in the 1960s. There were many different styles, in part becaise they were generally not pass produced. Many of these outfits were highly fanciful and imaginative. Boys did not commonly wear replicas of actual Civil War uniforms. The classic sailor suits also worn by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's children in the 1840s spread to the continent and America. The style can be seen in America during the 1860s, but it was not the almost prevasive symbol of boyhood reached by the 1880s. Sailor suits were not the only clothes based on militay-style uniforms worn by boys in the mid-19th century. Many suits for American boys were modled on Civil War uniforms. The Zuoave uniform was a particularly popular style for boys. Some boys actually did wear uniforms and were involved in the War. Many of these outfits had bloomer knickers or long calf-length kneepants. Some boys did more than play at being soldiers. Thousands of American boys served in the Civil War. The older boys were actual soldiers. The younger boys served as drummer boys.

Created: July 30, 2002
Last updated: July 30, 2002